Case Details
Microfinancing in Tanzania
Microfinance has been around for a long time and always seen as a panacea for eradicating poverty around the globe. It gained a lot of prominence after the success of "Grameen Model" in Bangladesh. Set up in the backdrop of African country Tanzania, this case deals with the various issues involved in setting up a microfinance organisation. Sustainable Youth Development Partnership (SYDP), the protagonist, was set up to help youth educate youth in Tanzania on HIV/AIDS prevention. After three years of operation SYPD realised that raising awareness of HIV/AIDS would not bring about changes in behaviour unless supported by economic empowerment and life-skills training. SYPD regarded microfinance as an immediate solution to empower Tanzania's youth. The organisation had been quick to line up potential donors, however, they could not move forward without a project plan and implementation strategy.
Learning Objective:
Setting up a self sustaining microfinance organisation. Deciding on a microfinance model that is suitable to the culture, age group and level of business development of the target community. Pro’s and con’s of various microfinance models. Microfinance versus traditional finance models.